Blue Star Mothers In Need Of Donations

Saturday, December 9th 2006, 3:38 pm

By: News On 6

The Oklahoma Blue Star Mothers say theyâ€™re in desperate need of donations for our troops overseas. They want to make sure every service member in Iraq and Afghanistan has a happier holiday. The Blue Star Mothers plans on sending out more than a thousand care packages this holiday season. News on 6 reporter Chris Wright says in order for that to happen, they need more donations.

Just as they do every week, members of the Tulsa chapter of the Blue Star Mothers spent their Saturday putting together Freedom Boxes for members of the military in Iraq and Afghanistan. But these Freedom Boxes were different, in addition to the normal food and toiletries; each package also had hard candy in a stocking. After all, it's almost Christmas.

"It's more special because it is the holidays. If we can do anything for these people, our children, it's a good day," said Michele Cline.

Michele Cline's son is in Iraq. Most Blue Star Mother members have children who are currently serving, and many of them are spending their first Christmas away from home. For a homesick soldier, the mothers say something as simple as some hard candy can make all the difference.

"It means everything for us to send them to them, and it means everything to them to get them," Blue Star Mother Lynn Kerr said.

While Blue Star Mothers expect to send out more than 1,500 Freedom Boxes this holiday season, some of their supplies are running a little low, and they say donations are always welcome. Anyone wishing to help can drop off supplies at any Blue Star chapter. If shopping is not your thing, the group also accepts cash donations.

This time of year, members say every little contribution counts.

"They're over there putting their lives on the line every day. Whether it's Christmas, whether it's cold, whether it's hot. This is the least we can do for them, the very least," Barbara Porter said.

If you know a soldier currently serving who could use a Freedom Box, or you would like to make a donation, you can visit the Blue Star Mothers website, www.okbluestarmothers.org.